Definition

A type of cloud that appears as a thick, gray layer in the sky, often covering the whole sky and usually found at a middle altitude.

Example

The sky was covered with altostratus clouds, signaling a change in the weather.

Conversation

Have you ever seen those beautiful altostratus clouds in the sky?

Yeah, they look so interesting and different from regular clouds.

I love how they create a cool, moody atmosphere.

Absolutely! They really change the whole feel of the day.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Altostratus is formed from "alto-" (from Latin 'altus', meaning high) and "stratus" (from Latin 'stratus', meaning spread out or layered). The word describes a type of cloud that is high in the sky and appears as a uniform layer.

Memory Tip

Think of 'high' ('alto-') clouds that are 'spread out' ('stratus') in the sky — that's what altostratus refers to.

Visually Confused Words